In the teeter-totter between the CGE and G-11 Gemini, one point that I keep coming back to is the G-11's tripod. Even when I observe on concrete, it's never quite level. I think I will need a more adjustable tripod even if I go with the G-11. I saw Losmandy's new folding tripod for the G-11, but think it's too expensive. I also saw a Losmandy adpater that lets the G-11 ride on a Meade Standard Field Tripod. Does anyone have experience with this set-up (G-11 on Meade tripod)?

I have used the A-P adapter on the Meade Field Tripod OK.Mounts are AP400 and AP600 (similar in size/weight to aG11. Used 130mm and 160mm refractors; the 160mm was a little shaky at 1/2 leg extension. The 130mm was solid at1/2 leg extension.I now use the 160mm and AP600 on Meade Giant Field Tripod,and AP400 and 130mm on Meade Field Tripod.Hope this helps,

The three legs of the G11 tripod are adjustable in length like most any tripod, so lack of a level observing site shouldn't be an issue. I used one for 10+ years and never had a situation where I couldn't level it.

In the teeter-totter between the CGE and G-11 Gemini, one point that I keep coming back to is the G-11's tripod. Even when I observe on concrete, it's never quite level. I think I will need a more adjustable tripod even if I go with the G-11. I saw Losmandy's new folding tripod for the G-11, but think it's too expensive. I also saw a Losmandy adpater that lets the G-11 ride on a Meade Standard Field Tripod. Does anyone have experience with this set-up (G-11 on Meade tripod)?

Thanks!

- Jim

Hi Jim,

You can level a G11 tripod as good as any other tripod. Look at the following images

IMO the main "concern" with the Losmandy tripod is that it takes more room to store than the typical tripod you see these days. The payback for the bulk is serious stability. I've been able to level mine on very seriously tilted ground. To match the stability factor (again IMO) you would need to go from the Meade Standard field tripod to the Giant field tripod. When you do that the bulk factor is no longer a factor. The Giant tripod is heavy and bulky too.

The G11 tripod is dead stable. Storage wise, you have three legs and the center tower. The tower part is a bit bulky, but that's it. If I still had mine I'd measure and post the dissasembled dimensions and weights.

I have both G11 HD and FHD tripod. I use FHD tripod for field trip. FHD is beefier than HD. Both tripod's leg length is adjustable. I often use it in my frontyard slightly sloped toward street. I selected FHD, mounting Losmandy Titan in the future.

I use FHD with DM-6 setup for drag-n-go 5 minute setup/take-down in backyard. It is 32Kg for FHD+DM-6. The photo below is the shortest setting, 33 inch to FHD tripod top, 8 inch pier extension, DM-6, 46.5 inch to center of DM-6 saddle, carrying 20Kg 6 inch refractor setup. It is rock solid with DM-6 and G11 mount. Specially tripod top is made of 19mm thick solid aluminum plate.

When you fully extend tripod legs, tripod top is 48 inch high, 61.5 inch to center of saddle with DM-6/8 inch extension, which is high enough for most application for me.